We are famed for being the “bush capital” but even locals forget about the need to practise safe bushwalking – particularly in our sub-alpine nature parks where the temperatures can plummet quickly.
Already, ACT Policing (Rural Patrol) has had to respond to a call-out after two bushwalkers failed to return to a carpark as scheduled. The hikers had no phone reception and lacked adequate resources to survive out in the open overnight.
This incident is the second search and rescue of bushwalkers in the past month and police – along with ACT Parks and Conservation Service – are urging the community to take rapidly changing weather conditions seriously.
Senior Constable Angus Ferguson, from ACT Policing Rural Patrol, says average day temperatures are between one and 12 degrees and average night temperatures dip well below zero.
“We are urging Canberrans, now more than ever, to practise safe bushwalking behaviour,” Constable Ferguson says. “Despite police warnings, Canberrans are still finding themselves requiring police assistance.”
Canberrans, of all people, should understand the difference between the actual temperature and the wind chill.
“Being stuck out in the cold can be deadly,” Executive Branch Manager of ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Stephen Alegria says. “Conditions in parks and reserves can be unpredictable, and the risks associated with bushwalking increase as you attempt more remote or higher difficulty tracks.
“We love to see people enjoying ACT’s parks and reserves and know how important time outdoors is to physical and mental wellbeing, but it is important to reduce the risks and stay safe. Mobile phone reception can be unreliable so you must plan ahead.”
Some sage advice: Wear appropriate clothing, take some form of shelter (even if you aren’t planning to stay overnight), carry extra food and water, let friends and family know where you are hiking and when you are due to return.
Other tips: Use the bushwalking registers available at the trail head of many popular walks, Download the “what3words” and “Emergency Plus” app to assist in confirming your location, carry a personal locator beacon (these are also available for hire through the Namadgi Visitor Centre).
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